The basics – fireplace as a feel-good zone and focal point of the living space

A fireplace requires a certain amount of expertise that should not be underestimated. Especially when deciding which fireplace is the right one for your home, you should inform yourself in detail about the different types of fireplaces and how they are used.

General knowledge of fireplaces – flue, emission values & the ecological balance sheet

First of all, you should know that every fireplace needs a flue. Without a flue, also a chimney, a fireplace is not a fireplace. The absolute exception are bioethanol fireplaces, but since these do not cause smoke and therefore do not require a flue, they are strictly speaking not considered a fireplace. The district chimney sweep clarifies what a flue has to look like. He is also responsible for the acceptance of the finished fireplace. If you want to install a chimney in the house you have bought, you must first find out exactly whether a flue was installed during construction. If this is not the case, the whole thing is more difficult than thought and they may have to resort to an outdoor vent.

Tip! Heating system in comparison

Save up to 55% costs (heat energy)? Tip! Not only already, but practically? Save energy with the heating system in your property. Use the next time for renovation or your upcoming new building. Here you will find our guide heating systems: solar, oil, gas, heat pump, pellets in comparison and as extra, state subsidies. Continue reading here:

• Heating system: comparison

Fireplace in modern condominium(Berlin):

Fireplace integration country house(Mallorca)

The next question is whether to choose a fireplace with or without a door. This has not only optical differences but is crucial for the functionality of the fireplace. To use a fireplace without a door only for the purpose of the crackling effect is far from modern and should be avoided not only for the protection of the environment but also for your own health. These fireplaces have not only a shocking fine dust emission but also a very bad ecological balance. Because of this, it will no longer be permitted to own a fireplace without a door from 2024. By then, a fireplace must not only have a door and a filter against fine dust, but also proper emission values. This is prescribed by the regulation BImSchV (Federal Immission Control Ordinance). So if you are thinking about a fireplace now, you don’t need to consider a version without a door. Fortunately, there are still great alternatives to not lose the crackling effect.

Fireplace models – a question of taste & functionality

There are many different fireplace models, but when choosing a fireplace, you should not limit yourself to the visual aspect and also consider the different functions of a fireplace. Which fireplace model best suits your property therefore depends on many different factors and your requirements.

Glass fireplace – cosiness factor and campfire atmosphere

Of course, the rule with fireplaces is ‘the more you see of the fire, the higher the cosiness factor’. Therefore, a glass fireplace is a great alternative to a fireplace without a door, as it has almost the same effect. A glass fireplace looks most cosy with three open sides, as this way the fire can not only be seen from every side, but also the cosy light spreads everywhere. Such a glass fireplace is made of special glass in the form of glass ceramic. This gives the same effect as a campfire. There are such fireplaces even without a visible handle on the glass window, which makes the whole thing even cozier. For this, however, the fireplace must be installed in a recessed position.

Hanging fireplace – individual and danger reducing

A hanging fireplace is also an alternative that should not be underestimated. This model originally comes from Scandinavia and offers a great variety, as it is not bound to one corner in the room. The fireplace can be mounted anywhere in the room on a wall and thus also heat all around. In addition, the risk of burns to children and animals is greatly minimized as the fireplace is not hanging within their reach. Firing, stoking and cleaning is also easier with this model, as you don’t have to bend down to the floor, but can work at eye level – you’ll even be spared the backache.

The Danish fireplace – the classic with personalization

The Danish fireplace is the last model that has already established itself as a classic in just a few years. It is the continuation of the ordinary stove and is now available in many variants. It has been equipped with a larger viewing window, which creates more cosiness. It also has a new modern technology, a combustion chamber that increases the efficiency and self-closing doors. A big advantage of this stove is that it is not permanently installed, so it can even be moved. Danish fireplaces are now available for turning, with an additional heating plate, but also some that can be heated with pellets, gas, brown coal or hard coal. An all-rounder that is suitable for every house and can be individually adapted to the needs.

Fireplaces as heating systems – stoves, tiled stoves and gas fireplaces

Of course, you don’t just want to use your fireplace to warm your soul and your living room. A fireplace can be used in many other ways. This includes, among other things, heating the whole house and not just one room. Of course, this includes special pipes, pipes – and energy supply systems.

Pellet stove as a heating system – energy efficient and environmentally conscious

The first way to use your fireplace as a heating system is the pellet stove, in which you heat not with wood but with pellets. Such a fireplace is particularly suitable for energy-saving houses. It is heated with wood pellets which are made from wood waste such as sawdust. They have a much higher efficiency, because they burn longer than the same amount of wood. To heat the whole house with such a fireplace, it must be connected to the hot water supply. The advantage is quite clear that a fireplace with a heating function not only protects the environment, but also the household budget. Unfortunately, the installation of such a fireplace is very costly, which is why the appearance is often neglected and there is only a small window. The coziness falls by the wayside, but it is always nice and warm everywhere and without a guilty conscience. Complementary to such a heating system is a solar system on the roof, which can heat the water in the summer. For such a system, a hot water tank with a minimum capacity of 1000 liters is needed, but it fits well in the basement.

Gas fireplace as a heating system – modern and uncomplicated

But also with a gas fireplace it is possible to heat the whole house and this even offers some advantages. For one thing, the cozy factor is not lost, because the flame can flicker peacefully behind a glass door and delight her heart. Behind the façade, however, there is a sophisticated system of ventilation heating that can be used throughout the entire house. This fireplace is operated with natural gas as well as with propane gas, which may be installed in a liquid cartridge with up to 11 kilograms. According to the manufacturer, this lasts up to 25 hours and provides heat. Another advantage not to be sneezed at, however, is that the fireplace and the air remain clean. There is no soot, the fireplace rarely needs to be cleaned and there is virtually no fine dust. And despite all this, not even the efficiency suffers, because it is at a respectable 70 percent. An alternative that you should definitely think about.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfyops-FvtU/?tagged=gasfireplace

The tiled stove as a heating system

Probably the oldest model among the stoves is the tiled stove. However, its history proves its effectiveness, because it can heat up for between 12 and 24 hours and thus provide cosy warmth. Wood, pellets or even coal are burned here. In the meantime, even windows can be found in the tiled stoves, as the feel-good feeling has simply become too important and consumers can no longer do without it. The efficiency can also be seen, because a tiled stove burns its fuel completely. In addition, tiled stoves have the reputation of being particularly comfortable, as the radiant heat is even and the air layers are not confused by it. So the tiled stove should also be considered if you are looking for a fireplace with heating function for the whole house.

Outdoor fireplace

Firewood: Do-it-yourself, chopping & stacking

Firewood & Fireplace Wood Storage – Larger quantities of firewood, are often stored on properties. The garden or a barn are often used for storage. Larger quantities of firewood, once stored on a property, must be stored in a fire protected location. This measure is regularly inspected by a chimney sweep. In this article you will find tips and videos on storing, DIY, stacking and chopping firewood for your fireplace:

• Tip: Firewood + Storage

Build your own fireplace?! Video tutorial: Installation

So you can also build and connect your fireplace yourself.

Heating guide: types, prices & comparison

Heating & Types – The topic of heating is not only interesting for builders, but also for property owners. After all, heaters are not only necessary in a property, they are also required by law. Which types of heating are there, how do they have to be maintained and are there legal subsidies for the construction of certain types of heating or do the costs have to be paid completely by the owner? Especially when building a house or renovating and modernising, the heating system plays a decisive role, because a large part of the later running costs depend on it, for you or for your tenants.

When deciding on a heating system, a number of things need to be considered, as there are major differences. Depending on the property, it must be decided individually which system is best suited to efficiently heat the entire property. The systems differ not only in environmental friendliness, but also in efficiency and price. Solar, oil, gas, heat pump, pellets:

• Heating: Comparison & Costs

Chimney sweep overview

• Controlled fire protection
• Controls heating and combustion systems
• Regulation recorded by the Chimney Sweep Act
• Merger into guild
• Chimney maintenance obligation: 4 times for all-year-round heating & 3 times for usual heating
• Since 2013 free choice of chimney sweep

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Why the building inspection is so important for builders!

The building inspection is a matter that many builders simply forget about or accept without knowing it. In many cases, the construction is considered accepted by the client even though no proper construction acceptance has taken place. This is the case, for example, when the contractor sets a deadline for acceptance in a construction contract, but the client lets it pass. Such cases happen more often than one might think and most of the time the builders are so stressed that they no longer know that a proper acceptance is necessary.

Acceptance of construction – an important legal act

Many construction companies dismiss the building inspection as a mere formality and play down its importance. In fact, however, the building inspection is an important legal act that can have far-reaching legal consequences. Errors that are not recognized during the acceptance process can be very costly for the building owner. In general, the acceptance refers to the handover of the finished building to the building owner. With the decrease the owner recognizes thus that all was executed contractually and no lack of on the part of the building firm are to be found. With the decrease then also at the same time the requirement for fulfillment expires opposite the building firm and warranty claims can be made valid. It becomes already clear, how devastating a not accomplished building acceptance for the owner can be. Once the acceptance has taken place, the burden of proof is reversed. This means that prior to acceptance, the contractor is responsible for proving the defects to the owner and once acceptance has taken place, the owner must prove the defects to the contractor and prove that they were not caused by the contractor. Explained by an example this means that in case of a defect like a warped parquet the parquet layer has to prove before the acceptance that this defect is not caused by his bad wood or a defect of his work but has another origin. After acceptance, however, the builder is responsible for proving that the defect was the fault of the craftsman and not, say, his own fault. This can be difficult for builders, as it is difficult to prove the origin of a defect after the fact. So after acceptance, defects are the builder’s problem, not the contractor’s. All builders should therefore exercise caution and have the acceptance carried out in detail in order to avoid such risks.

Building inspection – all this is part of it

In order to be on the safe side when it comes to the building inspection, you should pay attention to a few things right from the start. It is best to stipulate directly in the building contract that a formal building inspection will take place upon completion of the property. The formal building inspection is absolutely necessary in order to have a claim for the improvement of possible defects. Tips and costs: home renovation. For the building inspection itself, you should definitely bring your own surveyor. Since most builders don’t really have much expertise on the substance, it’s worth bringing in someone who has experience and can spot potential faults that you wouldn’t have seen. At the time of acceptance, a so-called acceptance protocol is drawn up. This lists all defects that were found on the day of acceptance, but also those that were identified earlier and have not yet been rectified. It is advisable to make a tour of the house with the expert on the day before the acceptance in order to examine everything in detail in peace and without time pressure. Experts often find faults, as they know exactly where to look through experience. The builder must make a reservation for all defects that are detected during the acceptance, otherwise he loses the right to have the defects remedied. Building owners can, however, also refuse acceptance of the building in certain situations and should definitely do so, especially in the case of serious defects. If serious defects are discovered during acceptance, such as a non-functioning heating system or canopies that have not yet been installed, the builder should refuse to sign the building acceptance protocol in any case, even if the builder urges him to do so. In any case, the protocol should only be signed when all defects have really been eliminated. The promise to remove the defects in the near future should not be sufficient for the builder and with such important formalities you should take it very carefully! Insist therefore with contract production absolutely on an acceptance and accomplish this carefully. Observe all formalities so that you really have a right to have the defects rectified afterwards.

Acceptance of construction – what happens with the defects?

After acceptance of the finished house, this must be paid in full to the building contractor. However, if defects have occurred during the acceptance, the builder has the right to withhold part of the money until the defects have been repaired. The builder is allowed to withhold twice the amount expected to be needed to repair the defects from his final payment. He should definitely do this to ensure that the defects are actually repaired. Unfortunately, defects are regularly due on building inspections and so have not been uncommon for a long time. Should defects become visible during the acceptance of your house construction, set a date with the building contractor directly in the acceptance protocol, on which all defects found must be eliminated. On this day, a second acceptance should take place to check whether the defects have been removed in accordance with the contract. If defects can still be found on this date, you can set a new date by which the defects must be removed. Contractors generally cannot refuse to accept the finished property. In order to avoid trouble and discussions, specify everything in the building contract and agree with the company in advance so that you do not have to argue about such minor details afterwards. It is also important for you that the construction company only has to have completed what has been stipulated in the contract on the acceptance date. So it is better to be precise and detailed, especially with regard to the contents of the building contract. If something is not specified in the building contract and you have agreed it for example only verbally with the building contractor, you have no legal claims on it at the building inspection. The same applies if the construction company has installed additional things that are not listed in the construction contract. They have then no obligation to pay this extra also. For the protection of all, a detailed construction contract makes the most sense.

Apartment handover protocol – content, handover & damage

The apartment handover protocol is an advantage for all parties involved. It records the condition of the rented property and any defects, damage or renovation work. An apartment handover protocol is made both when moving out and when moving in, to protect all parties involved. Especially when it comes to the topic of defects, it often comes to disputes, because the perspectives do not remain neutral. To prevent this, the protocol should record exactly how the condition of the object is to eliminate misunderstandings.

The content – What all belongs in the apartment handover protocol?

In an apartment handover protocol, however, not only defects in the property are recorded, but also important criteria that could later lead to disputes. So that no misunderstandings arise here, there are the most important points that should absolutely appear in the protocol:

• The number of all keys (front door, apartment door, mailbox, cellar, attic, …)
• The functionality of all electrical devices (taps, shower, toilet flush, heaters, … )
• The exact readings on electricity meters, water meters and radiators
• The condition of walls, wallpaper, doors, locks, windows, carpets, tiles and parquet floors
• Watch for mold, especially in the bathroom and on the walls (including wet spots).

In the context of a move-out, however, the handover protocol should also contain other points. For example, promised repairs or renovations on the part of your landlord should be listed. You can also find out from the rental agreement how you have to hand over the apartment. This includes, for example, white painted walls or a broom-clean handover. It is important for you to adhere to these specifications, as otherwise part of the deposit can be withdrawn.

The handover – you should pay attention to this

The problem with handover protocols is that they are neither mandatory nor regulated by law. If your landlord does not make one at the handover and you discover a defect afterwards, you have no proof that it was not caused by you. Therefore, you should not only insist on an apartment handover protocol, but also prepare for it properly. Since a smooth handover is also in the interest of the landlord, it should not be a problem for him to make a handover with protocol. Since planning rarely does any harm, you should therefore give some thought to the implementation in advance and think about a few things.

First of all, it is important that the handover of the apartment takes place in an empty and renovated condition. The landlord should therefore, if possible, have previously carried out the handover with the old tenant or do this together with them, so that he can check whether the landlord has left the apartment as agreed in the lease. If your landlord refuses to carry out a handover with a protocol, you can also carry out the procedure alone with a neutral witness. This way you are on the safe side and in the right. Take a lot of time for the handover to really find all the defects, even if the other party is pushing you. Insist on a thorough handover. If there are any defects, record them with photos and in the protocol. After the inspection is completed, both parties receive a copy of the protocol, which should be signed by both parties. This way all parties have security on their side.

The defects – Which cosmetic repairs you have to take over and which not

Cosmetic repairs are an art in themselves, because nowhere is really recorded, what exactly falls under it. Everyone has a different idea and also in the Civil Code (BGB) is no exact definition. So what does it include and which ones do you have to do and which ones do your landlord have to do? The German Tenants’ Association has tried to come up with a definition and writes on its homepage: “Under cosmetic repairs or renovation is understood everything that has worn out over time in normal living and can usually be renewed with paint, wallpaper and some plaster. This includes: wallpapering walls and ceilings, painting or whitewashing walls and ceilings, painting radiators, including heating pipes, painting doors inside the home, painting the inside of windows, and painting the inside of the door to the home.” In short, according to this definition, everything that the tenant himself has “worn out” falls under the term cosmetic repairs.

The term “cosmetic repairs” does not include things such as the replacement of carpeting, the sanding of parquet floors or the renovation of basements, balconies or terraces. These are all things that are demonstrably not the tenant’s fault. However, the landlord cannot set any deadlines for you. No landlord can force you to paint the entire apartment again after you have already done so in the previous year. But what exactly do you have to do in terms of cosmetic repairs and what is the landlord responsible for?

Cosmetic repairs, which must be taken over by the tenant:

• Painting the doors, windows and apartment door (inside)
• Wallpapering and painting walls and ceilings
• Closing of drill and dowel holes
• Painting the heaters and heating pipes

Cosmetic repairs, which do not have to be taken over by the tenant:

• Painting of terrace, balcony, cellar, utility and common rooms
• Carpet replacement
• Painting of windows and apartment door (outside)
• Sanding and sealing of parquet floors
• Damage demonstrably not caused by the tenant

Defects detected only after the protocol – what you can do

Most defects are obviously visible, but there is always the case that defects are detected too late and therefore do not appear in the protocol. But do not worry, because in the case of serious defects you are not stuck with the costs. You can report these late detected defects to your landlord and they have to be taken over by him. These include, for example, heating that does not work properly, defective pipes, but also mould.

If you find such a serious defect after moving in or after the handover with protocol, you must immediately report this to your landlord and then also grant him a corresponding period of time so that he can have the mark removed. Set your landlord a deadline, which should be sufficient in particularly urgent cases that could be harmful to health, such as mold but may also be shorter. If nothing happens within the specified period on the part of the landlord, you can think about a rent reduction if necessary.

If you notice a minor defect only after the handover report, i.e. so-called marginal damage, the landlord is not obliged to repair it. This includes defects such as a broken tile or a defective towel rail. However, always report this mark to the landlord anyway, otherwise you could be held liable for it.

Rental deposit – amount, transfer and deductions

The rental deposit is a not inconsiderable expense, especially for the tenant, and represents security for the landlord. Since it usually involves large amounts of money, it is important to be precise and avoid disputes. To protect landlord and tenant, there are therefore some rules that you can follow.

Tip 1 Apartment handover protocol – check for defects when moving in

The first step before moving in is to insist on a handover protocol when handing over the apartment. As a rule, there is one anyway, as it ensures security of both parties. In this all lack, which exhibits the object are noted. Take enough time during the handover to have a close look at the property. In this way, you can prevent any defects of the previous tenant from falling back on you, which could later reduce your deposit. Find out more about the handover protocol!

Tip 2 individual accounts – deposit separate from assets

In order to ensure the safety of your money, landlords are legally obliged to invest the rent deposit separately from the other assets (BGH, decision dated 9.6.2015, VIII ZR 324/14). If the deposit is handed over in cash, it is usually invested in a savings book which is created especially for this purpose. Here it is also noted that the deposited sum is only used as security for the lease and cannot be used otherwise by the landlord. This prevents misuse by the landlord and protects you and your money. To have peace of mind, have the landlord provide you with a copy of the account documents. During the tenancy, the landlord is also not allowed to touch your deposit without further ado and use it for other things (BGH, ruling dated 7.5.2014, VIII ZR 234/13).

Tip 3 Installments – Pay the deposit in installments

Some legal facts about the rental deposit that you probably did not know. You are not obliged to hand over the entire rental deposit to the landlord at once, even if the landlord asks you to do so. The law requires that you can pay the deposit in three equal monthly instalments. For this, the first of the three payments must be made at the beginning of the tenancy. The other two instalments are due in the next two months together with the rent payments (§ 551 para. 2 BGB). Also, a landlord may not require a deposit from them that is higher than three months’ rent (Section 551(1) BGB). This method is easier for many than raising the entire deposit amount at once. After paying the deposit, whether in instalments or all at once, insist on a statement of account in any case, as explained in tip 2. This way you are sure that the landlord cannot use your deposit for any other purpose.

Tip 4 Guarantee – deposit not from savings book

Normally, it is common to take the deposit for the landlord from a savings account or separate from the saved. After all, the money is not lost, just not available to you for your rental period. This method has long been the only way to cover the deposit when you move in. However, in recent years it has become established to also consider a rent deposit guarantee, if the money is nevertheless sometimes scarce when moving. For this purpose, there are financial investments that are significantly more attractive for the tenant due to higher interest rates than the variant of the savings book. Our home financing covers all options. These include, for example, call money or deposit accounts at a bank. But also the rent deposit guarantees represent a suitable alternative. With such a deposit, the rental security can be deposited without cash and in return, an annual contribution is due from you. For this variant you need the consent of the landlord, but this variant gives no disadvantages for him, so it should not be a problem.

Tip 5 Deductions – Look for defects

Deductions from the rent deposit are not good for any tenant. But pay attention, because the landlord is not allowed to deduct something from your security deposit for every little blemish when you move out. Thus, only certain defects constitute grounds for keeping the deposit. Generally speaking, normal signs of use cannot be deducted from the security deposit because they are covered by the rent. These include, for example, a small hole in the wall or a small abrasion on the carpet. Defects caused by them, on the other hand, can be deducted from the deposit. This includes, for example, burn holes from cigarettes in the carpet or a blocked drain pipe that got into this condition through improper use. In such cases, the landlord is allowed to deduct the professional repair from your rental deposit and use it for this purpose.

Tip 6 Cosmetic repair – deduction of the deposit

Another reason that can lead to a reduction of the deposit are cosmetic repairs. Here, however, some rules also apply. The cosmetic repairs to which the landlord can oblige the tenant amount to trifles, such as a fresh wall paint when moving out. However, these obligations may not unreasonably disadvantage the tenant or exempt the landlord from maintenance work. These remain the responsibility of the landlord. However, such obligations for cosmetic repairs are only permissible if they are expressly mentioned in the lease. If they are not, compliance can also not lead to a deduction of the deposit! When moving out, therefore, orientate yourself on your rental contract and comply with the specified cosmetic repairs in order to avoid a reduction of the deposit.

Tip 7 Repayment – handover protocol when moving out

If the tenancy has ended, you should hand over the rented property in the “agreed” condition. If cosmetic repairs have been agreed in the tenancy agreement, you should carry them out. If damage has occurred during the rental period that is attributable to you, you should repair it. It is best to hand over the apartment in the same condition as you received it so as not to jeopardise the repayment of the entire rental deposit.

Do not forget the handover protocol when you move out, so that the landlord cannot hold you responsible for damages afterwards. Both parties should sign and receive a copy of the protocol and thus document the condition of the rental property. After the protocol and the handover has taken place and all existing or non-existing defects have been documented, there is nothing to prevent the payment of your deposit, which, if you have done everything correctly, should be credited in full to your account.

Tip 8 End of the guarantee – repayment of the rent deposit

Disputes also often arise over the repayment of the rent deposit. The landlord has the right to a so-called inspection and consideration period, which he can claim. This means that he can retain the rental deposit to inspect the rental property for defects and faults before returning the deposit. This period can last up to six months, which can cause problems for the tenant. However, if the two parties agree at the time of transfer that there are no defects or outstanding debts, the deposit must be returned quickly. According to case law, this is assumed to be within a few days. In this case, the tenant receives the entire deposit plus interest. However, the landlord also has another right here. He can retain a small part of the rent deposit even after the end of the tenancy for a still outstanding service charge account.